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Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Volkswagen created the concept of the hot hatch in the 1970s. Three decades on, the Golf GTI takes the concept to new heights. For the second year running, Volkswagen's Golf GTI has claimed first place on the Sports Car podium. The GTI created the hot hatch class three decades ago and the latest 147 kW descendant lives up to its heritage. Today's car combines the original's spirit with 2006 levels of comfort, safety and performance. A long list of standard equipment and Volkswagen's typically high standard of fit and finish give the Golf a head start over the opposition. Of course performance is a critical factor in this category and the GTI's direct injected turbo power doesn't disappoint. There's a healthy supply of mid-range torque to keep things moving and the slick six-speed manual's ratios are perfectly matched to the engine's characteristics. As good as the manual gearbox is, the optional DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) offers an ideal choice for performance and convenience. Clever electronics take care of the twin clutch assemblies' operation, with one gear engaged and one ready to be engaged. For the driver, this means marginally faster acceleration than the conventional six-speed plus lightning-fast, virtually seamless shifts. You can use the gear lever or wheel-mounted paddles to change gear and if you feel like a rest, just select full automatic mode. It's the best of both worlds. Judged purely on numbers, the Golf's power and performance figures may not be the highest or quickest in the class, but don't discount its ability. This is a rapid car, but one that's just as comfortable around town or on the open road. While some of the other contenders are more single-minded, the GTI offers high levels of performance and handling, which are easily accessible but not intimidating. Where the car shines is in combining power with impressive chassis dynamics to form a complete package. Handling is nimble and direct, the sharp steering providing good feedback and there's remarkable overall grip. Torque-steer is virtually non-existent, adding to the chassis' stability. As speeds increase, the GTI's agility and secure feel are unchanged, although large bumps can find the limit of the suspension's travel. Comfort isn't ignored: the sports seats provide excellent support and the squaredoff roofline means there's plenty of headroom front and rear. As on the standard Golf, the interior fit and finish is excellent. A leather-trimmed sports steering-wheel and alloy pedals add some high performance touches. Instrumentation and switchgear are well laid-out and easy to use, although the gear indicator on DSG-equipped cars can be difficult to read at a glance. To some eyes, the GTI's style may be too subtle. It doesn't have the aggressive, 'race car without the numbers' look of Mitsubishi's manic Evo IX. It also can't match that car's storming performance, and G -force defying dynamics. But the GTI is best because it does everything so well.
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